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A common activity during a Kids Hope USA mentoring hour is reading. Whether your student is all about picking up a book or needs some additional encouragement to start on a page, reading can be a valuable activity that has so many great benefits. But what should we read?
Some mentors and students meet in a library, where they have access to hundreds of books. Other pairs may meet elsewhere and may need to bring books along.
If you’re looking for a great book to help encourage your student to read more during your time together—or if you’re a director and want to provide even more book options—check out this list! Be sure to use the links below to make your purchase to help Kids Hope USA raise additional funds through Amazon’s affiliate program.
Closure Books
- See You Later Alligator by Sally Hopgood helps students understand closure.
- Goodbye Friend, Hello Friend by Cori Doerrfield is a sweet story that helps address transitions and closure.
- See You Later, Croc-A-Gator by Imogen Shelton helps kids navigating separation anxiety or preparing for a big change.
- Gotta Go, Buffalo by Haily & Kevin Meyers is a fun book with animal rhymes about goodbyes.
Creativity books
- Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin is a fun read about the daily life of a worm.
- The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania Al-Abdullah is about having the courage to try something new.
- Rhyme Crime by Jon Burgerman is full of silly rhymes and illustrations.
- Carla’s Sandwich by Allison Janney will spark creativity and inspiration.
- Don’t Forget the Bacon by Pat Hutchins is a funny read that follows instructions.
- The Birthday Queen by Audrey Wood explores celebrating a birthday with a party.
- The Quiet Forest by Charlotte Offsay is a delightfully funny picture book about what happens when a small action creates a snowball effect.
- What Should Danny Do? School Day by Adir and Ganit Levy allows students to choose their own adventure.
- Mistakes that Worked by Charlotte Foltz Jones is about mistakes that ended up changing the world.
Social-Emotional Books
- The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon by Matthew Burgess helps turn a bad day around.
- The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is about how an act of kindness can change everything.
- Cranky Right Now by Julie Berry shares practical steps to take when getting cranky.
- Mason’s Greatest Gems by Chelsea Lee-Smith shows the importance of our uniqueness.
- Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julie Cook is about navigating worries.
- My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cooke helps teach what happens when you interrupt.
- Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival is about making worries seem smaller.
- The What-Ifs by Emily Kilgore shares practical tips for navigating worries.
- The Recess Queen by Alex O’Neill navigates bullying and problem-solving.
- The Very Last Leaf by Stef Wade helps address conquering fears.
- Wishtree by Katherine Applegate is about an old tree that highlights themes of friendship, kindness, and hope.
- An Ordinary Day by Alana Arnold shares how an ordinary day can turn out to be extraordinary.
- Taste Your Words by Bonnie Clark is about the power of words.
Character Traits
Accountability
- But It’s Not My Fault by Julia Cook helps kids to learn how to not blame others when they make a mistake.
- What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick highlights the impact that one decision can make.
- Accountable Ninja by Mary Nihn is about the importance of taking responsibility.
- Game Changers: Inspirational Sports Stories by Dan Gold shares stories of athletes who worked hard and persevered.
cooperation
- The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld is about a group of forest animals working to solve a problem.
- The Enormous Potato by Aubrey Davis is about what can happen when everyone participates.
- The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt celebrates creativity and positive thinking.
- Swimmy by Leo Leonni is about friends joining together to overcome challenges.
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart is an engaging story about kids learning together.
Courage
- What Do You Do With a Chance by Kobi Yamada is about being brave and saying yes to new things.
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson is about finding courage to connect even when you feel alone.
- So Tall Within by Gary Schmidt tells the story about Sojourner Truth.
- Sheila Rae, the Brave by Kevin Henkes shows the importance of sympathy and support.
- If I Never Forever Endeavor by Holly Meade is about facing change and challenges.
- Felix Powell, Boy Dog by Erin Entrada Kelly is a fun read about creativity and friendship.
- The Burning Season by Caroline Starr Rose highlights the theme of courage in this adventure-packed tale.
Courtesy
- May I Please Have a Cookie by Jennifer Morris is a fun story about manners.
- Dude, That’s Rude by Pamela Espeland helps kids learn about the importance of manners.
- What Can I Say? by Catherine Newman is great for middle schoolers learning their importance of their words.
Empathy
- Stand in My Shoes by Bob Sornson is about learning from other’s experiences.
- Have You Filled a Bucket Today by Carol McCloud shares practical ideas for kindness and empathy.
- Empathy is Your Superpower by Cori Bussolari is about the power of caring for others.
- An Elephant in the Garden by Michael Morpugo brings a group of unlikely friends as they work together.
Forgiveness
- Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Kenkes shows the importance of apologizing.
- Big Red Lollipop by Ruksana Khan is about the importance of family and forgiveness.
- Starfish by Lisa Fipps is about being yourself and showing forgiveness to others.
generosity
- The Gardener by Sarah Stewart is about a girl who brings smiles to others through her flowers.
- The Wild Robot by Peter Brown is an engaging story of a robot learning to live in the wilderness.
- A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead is about the importance of helping others.
- Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts is about generosity and friendship.
gratitude
- Gratitude is Your Superpower by Amy Weber instills thankfulness for things big and small.
- Thank You! Elephant and Piggy by Mo Willems invites readers to follow friends in gratitude.
- The Gratitude Jar by Katrina Liuis helps kids learn the importance of a positive mindset.
- Gratitude is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego helps kids to be grateful for what they have.
- The Gratitude Journal from Modern Kid Press helps kids develop the spirit of gratitude.
- Girl’s Gratitude Journal is a great resource for girls ages 8-12 to practice mindfulness.
honesty
- Being Frank by Donna Earnhardt is a story of a young boy learning a lesson about honesty and compassion.
- Mouse Tells the Truth by Ella Law helps kids understand their own feelings and develop empathy for others.
- The Empty Pot by Demi demonstrates how honesty is rewarded.
- A Bike Like Sergio’s by Meribeth Boelts is about the importance of telling the truth.
Integrity
- The World Needs More Purple People by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart explores the value in uniqueness.
- The Weasel, Puffin, Unicorn, Baboon, Pig Lobster Race by James Thorp is a fun read about a thrilling race.
- The Inquisitors Tale by Adam Gidwitz is packed with adventure.
Kindness
- A Little Spot of Kindness by Diane Alber is about finding ways to show kindness to others.
- What Does it Mean to Be Kind? by Rana DiOrio helps kids learn they have the power to make others feel seen and loved.
- Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary Schmidt highlights the power of friendship.
Patience
- Waiting is Not Easy by Mo Willems shares the importance of waiting, even if it’s hard.
- The River by Tom Percival helps kids understand the importance of emotions.
- Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly shares the value in not giving up.
Perseverance
- Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg is about making mistakes and turning them into something beautiful.
- The Worry-Worry Whale Made 32 Mistakes by Deborah Diesen turns worries to moments of confidence.
- Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz is about adventure and trying to do the right thing.
reliability
- Oh That Snow! by Joy Cowley is about teaching reliability.
- The Promise by Nicola Davies presents an opportunity to do something good.
Respect
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey shares strategies for increasing effectiveness.
Responsibility
- Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst is about money management.
- The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room by Stan Berenstain shares the importance of cleaning and taking care of your things.
- Arthur’s Pet Business by Marc Brown is about showing responsibility.
- My Choices Make Me Who I Am by Mutiya and David Vision helps kids learn accountability.
- A Perfect Mistake by Melanie Conklin is about friendship and staying true to who you are.
Self-Awareness
- Pobody’s Nerfect by Nancy Parker Brummett is about discovering the importance of being yourself.
- The Way I Feel by Janin Cane helps kids identify and express their emotions.
- My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss is about identifying feelings.
- Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis is a fun book about self-awareness.
- Wonder by RJ Palicio shares about friendship and being aware of others.
Self-Confidence
- A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon is about celebrating who you are.
- Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon by Patty Lovell is about the value of self-confidence.
- The Way of the Warrior Kid by Jocko Willnick is about a kid learning to believe in himself.
self-Control
- You Get What You Get by Julie Gassman shows kids how to deal with disappointment.
- What Were You Thinking by Bryan Smith is about controlling impulses.
- Bat and the Business of Ferrets by Elana Arnold is about navigating challenges.
- Just Like Jackie by Lindsey Stoddard is a story of family and caring for others.